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Description

Totally futuristic.

Smith Optics has become an icon for its killer shades, not to mention its lineup snow helmets and goggles. But the boys in Sun Valley spend most of the year riding mountain bikes on the region’s countless miles of velvety-smooth singletrack, and they wanted to keep their domes comfortable and protected during the warmer months as well. That’s why Smith pooled its extensive knowledge of all things helmet related to create the Forefront helmet. At 285g, it’s feather light, but don’t think for a minute that it sacrifices anything in the way of protection. It’s plainly obvious that this ain’t Smith’s first rodeo, even if it is the Idaho brand’s first bike helmet.

Smith has been able to accomplish this blend of minimal weight and maximum protection through the use of its patented Aerocore technology. This construction employs Koroyd material, which looks a lot like the bundles of straws you may have used in science class to protect eggs when you dropped them off a roof. It’s not much of a coincidence, as this honeycomb construction yields a claimed 30% reduction in forces transmitted to your noggin, as compared to the industry standard EPS foam. It’s particularly useful for building helmets, because it requires a minimal amount of material, so there’s no unnecessary weight. It also has the desirable effect of maximizing air-flow, keeping you cool when you’re working hard.

The padding is minimal, to keep air flowing freely. Speaking of which, the visor has two height settings, neither of which interfere with the ventilation. Three shell sizes accommodate the vast majority of head shapes, with fine tuning handled by Smith’s VaporFit retention system. It utilizes a click-wheel adjuster that’s borrowed from the snow helmet division, so you know it’s solid. Also coming from the snow program is AirEvac ventilation system, which channels hot air out of the tops of your glasses, reducing fogging. It’s particularly useful if you choose to run goggles, although we claim no responsibility for the heckling that may follow such a contentious fashion statement.

While the Aerocore construction has plenty of advantages, unrestricted, large vents isn’t one of them, which is why Smith integrated camera and light mounts. Using a threaded brass insert atop the helmet, you’re able to pick up an aftermarket mount kit with custom mounts for GoPro helmets, as well as Light and Motion lights. While it does require accessories, the upshot is that the mounts are far more secure than the standard strap mounts used to mount those items to other helmets. The benefit is immediately clear when your POV footage becomes a LOT less shaky. And Smith is currently working with a handful of other manufacturers to expand the mount offerings.

The Smith Forefront Helmet is available in three sizes, from Small, to Large, and in the colors Acid, Cypress Camo, Dr. Bob, Fire, Matte Black, Matte White, Matte Cement, Magenta, Neon Orange, and White.

Comment on Andrew Putt's photo:

Dome Protection

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

This helmet has been hard to get in my size and desired color. Everyone wants these things and for good reasons! It is super light, fits my head great and doesn't bobble around as my old helmet did. The honeycomb venting also allows for great air flow in the summer when you are hot. It is winter now so I haven't put it to much use yet but come summer I can't wait to put this thing on!

Comment on Jonathan F's review:

Great Fit!

I bought the camera/ light mount for $15 from the Smith website. It showed up in 2 days (Utah). It's a super solid mount that takes the shakiness out of my POV shots and it's very easy to snap a light on and off. I'm impressed at how comfortable the Forefront is and will probably get the Overtake for road riding.

Comment on Pete OBrien's review:

Light, Streamline, Easy to Adjust

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

This bad boy is very light and lets air rush right into your brain! I love fit and the easy adjustability. The visor has 2 modes and is not detachable which is unfortunate but doesn't take away from this product. Very lightweight and you'll barely notice this thing on your head!

Comment on Ian Matteson's review:

Nice helmet

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I've spent the majority of the summer and fall using this helmet. Overall, I really like it. It's lightweight, it fits my head, and I think it looks cool. The only downside to the aerocore is that it doesn't allow air to flow quite as well as a completely open vent. Not at all a dealbreaker in my book, but noticeable when the temps get hot AND you are not moving quickly (like a slow grind uphill). Once the speed rises, the vents help the airflow a lot. I'll also add that I took a nice OTB digger and somehow my bike landed on my head. I have a shaved head, and the aerocore scraped a nice honeycomb design into the top of my scalp. No biggie, but it did sting in the shower for a day or two. I really like this helmet, and would buy it again.

Testing the Forefront in sloppy weather

Comment on Pete OBrien's photo:

While the Aerocore construction has plenty of advantages, unrestricted, large vents isn’t one of them, which is why Smith integrated camera and light mounts. Using a threaded brass insert atop the helmet, you’re able to pick up an aftermarket mount kit with custom mounts for GoPro helmets, as well as Light and Motion lights. While it does require accessories, the upshot is that the mounts are far more secure than the standard strap mounts used to mount those items to other helmets. The benefit is immediately clear when your POV footage becomes a LOT less shaky. And Smith is currently working with a handful of other manufacturers to expand the mount offerings.

Comment on Lexi Dowdall 's photo:

Ultimate All-Mtn Helmet

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Although smith is new to the bike helmet game, they are certainly pioneers when it comes to producing some of the most lightweight durable winter sports helmets on the market, and this is no different.

I've had mine for about a month now, and the one thing I notice about this helmet is actually how little I notice it. The air venting through the helmet allows air to move freely between your dome piece and the helmet, and after a while I just forgot that I had it on. I've taken a few falls with it, and there are very little signs of wear.

If your familiar with smith products already, this helmet is going to be no different that what you already expect from them. The quality is high, and no corner has been cut.

Comment on Andrew Meehan's review:

First ride impressions

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I took my first ride wearing the Smith Forefront last night. Basic adjustments were quick and easy (twist dial at the back, chin strap, ear triangle- to use technical terms) and I really didn't think about the helmet until towards the end of my 2 hour ride. The Forefront only came to mind several times as I pedaled towards the sun and thought about how my visor (neon orange) highlighted the colors and looked light something I should instagram, but I was having such a good time I forwent social media. Roughly an hour later as I slowly chugged up Hagen's Highway trail, I realized I could feel cooling air coming through the "straws" of the Forefront's core. Granted, I've got short hair, but I've never really noticed this before. I was impressed. I'll update this after a few more rides, but it's a solid start. I've got to get my hands on the GoPro mount to see how it compares to the stability of the "vented helmet strap" that I'd usually use.